Book Clubbin’: 20 Discussion Questions for ‘The Sun Sets in Singapore’ by Kehinde Fadipe

For this round of our Book Clubbin’ feature, we’re taking a look at The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe, narrated by Dami Olukoya.

Basking in the perpetual sunshine of Singapore, Dara, Amaka, and Lillian find themselves ensnared in the allure of luxury—until a mysterious and handsome newcomer disrupts their close-knit community, shattering their idyllic existence. Dubbed “wanderlust-inducing” by Lola Akinmade Åkerström, this Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick unfolds against the backdrop of the Lion City, a place known for its decadent street food, world-class shopping, and lush gardens teeming with tropical blooms.

In The Sun Sets in Singapore, Kehinde Fadipe skillfully captures the vibrancy of the metropolis through the perspectives of these three resilient women. As they navigate the glittering surface of Singapore, they are about to discover that unresolved histories have a way of catching up, even in a city that seems worlds away from home. The listen promises a dazzling exploration of friendship, the complexities of female ambition, and the defining factors that shape our identities. Jenna Bush Hager, in praising the book, describes it as a captivating tale that delves into the essence of friendship, the support structures we rely on, and the intricate elements that define who we are.

If you haven’t listened to The Sun Sets in Singapore yet, take a sneak peek into our exclusive excerpt that’s sure to entice you. And if your book club is picking up this listen from Kehinde Fadipe, keep reading for our discussion questions below. Beware— SPOILERS ahead.

—————CONTAINS SPOILERS!—————

1) At the beginning of the novel, Dara reveals that she’s dedicated the last six years of her life to work, prioritizing her career over personal relationships. Did you admire Dara’s unwavering commitment to her career? Or did you find yourself questioning her prerogatives? In your own life, where do you prefer to channel your energies?

2) Before Dara moved to London to live with her mother, she lived in Lagos with her maternal grandparents. Other than a respect for formality, what do you believe Dara inherited from Granee and Grandad? How do you think being raised by grandparents who loved Nigeria and then a mother who rejected her Nigerian identity impacted Dara’s perception of her heritage?

3) Amaka buys luxury items to temporarily relieve the pain and resentment she feels toward her family, but the consolation is always short-lived. When did you realize that Amaka’s coping mechanism was having its own detrimental effects? Have you ever had a friend or family member fall into a similar situation? How did they work through it?

4) Discuss the mixed feelings Lillian has about her piano—the reasons she played and stopped playing, the connections it gave her to her parents and her past, her resentment and appreciation for it, etc. Symbolically, what did the piano represent?

5) Amaka’s mother, Ugo, was constantly worried that Amaka would “repeat her mistakes” and find herself in a situation that would force her to rely on a man’s generosity. Even as Amaka made a significant amount of money as a credit risk officer, this apprehension never went away. Do you think Amaka ever internalized this worry? How would this have impacted her relationship with Rohit, despite his kindness and reliability? Considering Amaka’s childhood, do you think her anxiety regarding men stemmed more
from her father or her mother? Why?

6) Lillian moved to Singapore with her husband, Warren, when he was transferred for work. Leaving Philadelphia, however, made her feel unmoored, lonely, and isolated. Have you ever made a similar move in your life, one that forced you completely out of your comfort zone? How did you handle the stress and uncertainty? By contrast, how did you handle the excitement? Explain.

7) At her therapist’s office, Lillian admits that, since she was young, she’s struggled to make life-altering decisions, like having a child or not. Have you ever similarly struggled? Who do you lean on when you have to make difficult choices? If you had met Lillian in real life at this stage in her journey, what advice would you have given her?

8) Lillian and Amaka (and an initially reluctant Dara) participate in an expat book club in Singapore. How did the book club foster a sense of community among its members?

9) Out of all the book club members (Kike, Yemisi, Nana, and LeToya), which character did you respond to the most? At the first meeting, what book would you have recommended that everyone read next?

10) Because Ugo’s traditional marriage to Chukwu was dissolved, and he legally married another woman, Amaka and Ugo lived apart from him, which put a great strain on the family. How did you feel learning the details of Amaka’s family dispute? Did you find yourself leaning toward the side of Amaka and Ugo or the side of Amaka’s half-siblings? Why? How would you have navigated such a conflict?

11) In Kike’s dressing room, Dara makes the following remark: “That Kike Ibusun was not the sharpest tool in the box was what Dara suspected she wanted you to believe. Dara had spent too long as an outsider at school and at Oxford not to recognize the sharpness behind that public schoolgirl insouciance. Pretending to be thick was a privilege only girls whose parents had spent half a million pounds on their education could afford.” Unpack the implications of this observation, accounting for Kike’s unique family
circumstances. Why do you think a privileged, highly educated young woman like Kike would deliberately hide her intelligence? What purpose would it serve?

12) Dara also finds it ironic that Kike—the well-connected daughter of a former governor—disapproves of the fact that Lani “had help” getting his role in Geneva: “Maybe when you [stand] on a mountain for so long, the ground [starts] to feel flat.” Discuss how the author calls attention to nepotism and class divides throughout the novel. Did you agree with Dara that Kike was unaware of her privilege in this scene?

13) The author describes the atmosphere and topography of Singapore throughout the novel, imbuing the story with real-world charm. As you were reading, what setting piqued your interest the most? Fort Canning, where Dara and Amaka went for their run? Sentosa, where Amaka and Lani had their first date? The Botanic Gardens, where Lillian and Warren had their conversation? Yishun, where Lillian move to and had dinner with Amaka at the open-air market? Why?

14) Discuss Lillian’s research into reincarnation and the events that prompted her to pursue this inquiry. How would you have responded if Lillian had shared her speculations with you directly? What are your own thoughts on reincarnation?

15) Discuss how the author highlights the economic disparities in Singapore, such as Amaka’s comment to Lani about the gap between the wealthy and the underserved, the cost of rent that Lillian considers when moving to Yishun, or the fact that residents are surrounded by luxury brands but also migrant workers, laborers who sacrifice time with their families in order to make a living in Sing dollars, often residing in cramped living quarters with extremely controlling managers.

16) At Kike’s party, Nana reprimands Dara for not reading books authored by writers like Teju Cole, Helen Oyeyemi, and Noviolet Bulawayo: “You’re basically reading a bunch of books by dead white men and leaving no space to discover your own writers.” Did you agree or disagree with Nana at this moment? When you’re choosing new books or new writers to read, what factors do you take into consideration? While reading, what is most important to you?

17) Discuss how friendships grew and changed throughout the course of the novel between Dara, Amaka, and Lillian. How did the women lean on one another? How did they hurt one another? How did they rebuild trust after it had been broken? How have friendships in your own life been ruptured and mended, and what have you learned about yourself—and others—navigating these experiences?

18) Throughout the novel, Lillian has a recurring dream where she’s drowning. What elements of her past were folded into the dream, and how did you feel reading the hypnotherapy scene in which Lillian worked through these memories with Dr. Geraldine?

19) The author weaves Greek mythology throughout the text, especially in Dara’s point of view. How did the mythological references parallel the plot of The Sun Sets in Singapore? Did the allusions enhance your experience of reading the book? Why or why not?

20) How did you feel about the end of the novel and the resolutions offered for each character? Ultimately, did events play out differently than you expected? Why or why not?


Looking for Book Recommendations?

• Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

• Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

• If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

• For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

Prepaid Gift Subscriptions: Your Guide to Gifting

On the hunt for the perfect gift for the book lover in your life? Not sure which books are on their TBR (to be read) list? It’s hard to know which books they already own, which they’re dying to read, and of course, what format they want to read them in.

That’s why we think gift shopping is made a whole lot easier when you can give that special someone access to over 425,000 audiobooks by gifting them an Audiobooks.com gift subscription. Talk about a book lover’s dream.

With 1, 3, 6, and 12-month prepaid subscriptions to Audiobooks.com, you can find the perfect gift for everyone. Click here to visit the Audiobooks.com gift center, read our step-by-step guide below on how to purchase a prepaid gift subscription, and don’t forget to check out our frequently asked questions below before grabbing a gift that will really speak to them.

How to purchase a prepaid gift subscription (step-by-step)

1. Navigate to https://www.audiobooks.com/gifts/give.

2. From the four options (1, 3, 6, or 12 months), click on the option you’d like to purchase.

3. Next, you can select a special design to be included with the gift subscription. The birthday and thank you options will always be available, and the third option is swapped seasonally.

4. You will then scroll down and will then decide how you’d like to deliver the gift to your recipient. If you select Email, you can either send it right away by choosing Now, or you can send it on a specific date by selecting Choose a delivery date.

If you’d like to give this gift in person, then you can select Print.

You will then enter the recipient’s information into the To field and your own information in the From field.

5. Next, scroll down and enter the personalized message that you’d like included with your gift. This is optional; if you do not input a message, a pre-populated message will be included.

6. Your final personalization option is to include a recommended audiobook. This will simply be a recommendation for how they should spend their monthly credit, and the audiobook will not be gifted to them. To select a recommended audiobook, click the Select an audiobook button. A pop-up will appear where you can search for the audiobook you’d like to recommend.

7. Once all your personalization and information has been filled out, click Continue to checkout.

8. If you are already an Audiobooks.com member, click Log in Now at the top of the screen. If you are not a member, you must create a FREE Audiobooks.com account by filling out the Account Information. You will then enter your billing information below that. Note: you will only be charged for the prepaid subscription and will not be signed up for a paid Audiobooks.com account.

9. Once your Account Information and Billing Information have been completed, you can review this page to ensure your order details are correct. If everything looks good, you will then click Confirm Purchase.

10. You will receive an email confirming your purchase. Once your recipient has redeemed the gift you’ve sent them, you will receive another email to confirm that they have redeemed it.

And that’s it! All that’s left is for your gift recipient (or yourself if you decided to treat yourself) to enjoy access to 425,000+ audiobooks, extra listening with our VIP Rewards, and tons of other member benefits every month!

Already an Audiobooks.com member and purchased a prepaid subscription for yourself?

To apply the prepaid subscription that you’ve purchased to your account, simply log in and navigate to audiobooks.com/gifts/give, and in the top section where it asks, Want to redeem a gift? You will enter the gift code you received after purchasing your prepaid subscription and click Submit.

Ready to get gifting? Click here to shop our gift center.


Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Audiobooks.com gift subscription include?

When you give the gift of listening with an Audiobooks.com subscription, the recipient will get one audiobook credit per month to select any audiobook from our library of over 425,000 titles. They will also get access to these member-exclusive benefits:

  • Extra free listening every month with our VIP Rewards program
  • Unlimited access to over 10,000 free audiobooks
  • Exclusive Member Deals, family sharing, and so much more!

How do I get the gift to its recipient?

We’ve made it easy to get your gift to that special someone. You’ll get to choose between an email and a printable gift option at the time of purchase.

If you’re celebrating together, select “print” while purchasing and you’ll be given a custom page with the recipient’s name and the exciting details of the gift to print out and give to them in person.

If you’re celebrating apart, select “email” during the purchase process and we’ll send all of the exciting details directly to the recipient on the date of your choosing.

Do gift memberships expire?

As with any member account, credits added to a gift subscription will expire if not redeemed within 90 days. Once redeemed, members get to keep their audiobooks forever! All bonus titles, including those downloaded from our VIP Rewards program, will be removed from the account at time of cancel (or when the gift runs out).

Can I prepay for my own membership?

Definitely! Prepaying for your membership is a great gift to yourself. Plus, you’ll get a discount when you purchase a 3, 6, or 12-month membership in advance.

Can I give a specific audiobook as a gift?

Though we don’t offer the option to gift a specific audiobook, we suggest giving a gift membership as a great alternative. You can recommend a book that you think the recipient will love, while ultimately giving them the choice of what they want to listen to.

If you’re looking for the perfect audiobook to suggest to a loved one, check out these curated book lists:

Can I add a gift to an existing account?

Yes! Adding a gift membership to an existing account will automatically delay the next payment date to be after the gift ends. To add a gift membership to your account, simply:

  1. Visit www.audiobooks.com and ensure you’re logged in
  2. Navigate to our gift center by scrolling all the way to the bottom left of the page and clicking “gift center”
  3. Enter your gift code and select “submit”

Once accepted, the website should navigate automatically to your My Account page and reflect your adjusted billing date.


Looking for Book Recommendations?

• Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

• Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

• If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

• For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

How Audiobooks Can Help You Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer

Introduction: What is an Audiobook, and How Does it Impact Sleep?

Audiobooks have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to relax and unwind after a long day. But did you know audiobooks can also help you get better quality sleep? Studies have shown that listening to audiobooks before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Follow along with us today as we explore the impact of audiobooks on sleep and how they can be used to improve your sleep quality.

How Listening to an Audiobook Can Help You Combat Sleepless Nights

We all know how difficult it can be to fall asleep at night, especially when your mind is racing with thoughts you can’t control. Listening to an audiobook before bed can be a great way to help you relax and ease into sleep. Not only does it give you something else to focus on instead of worrying about the day ahead, but audiobooks also have the potential to help you fall asleep faster and avoid the temptation of endless social media scrolling before bed.

If you’re looking for an audiobook to carry you off to Dreamland, we recommend Mythos by Stephen Fry.

Benefits of Listening to a Story Before Bedtime That Will Help You Sleep Deeper and Longer

Listening to stories before bedtime can help you sleep better and longer. Audiobooks are a great way to relax and unwind before going to sleep. The soothing sound of the narrator’s voice, especially when you don’t have to pay close attention to the story, creates a lullaby effect that can help you drift off into a deep sleep. Listening to stories can also help reduce stress levels, which is important for getting quality sleep.

What are the Best Types of Audiobooks For Sleep?

Okay, so you’re ready to try it out and listen to an audiobook as you fall asleep, but where do you begin? Not all audiobooks are created equal when it comes to helping you drift off into a peaceful sleep. The best types of audiobooks for sleep include soothing soundscapes, calming stories, and narrators with relaxing voices. Whether you prefer the sound of rain falling on a lake or the gentle whispers of an audio drama, there’s an audiobook out there that can help you drift off into dreamland.

We’ve put together a list of our recommendations to get you started:

Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups by Ben Holden, narrated by Ben Holden, Esther Wane, Luke Thompson, Sandra Duncan, Gareth Armstrong

Deep Sleep Music by Yella A. Deeken, narrated by Ian Brennan

Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai, narrated by Kathryn Nicolai

Sleep Well by Sue Fuller, narrated by Sue Fuller


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Book Clubbin’: 8 Discussion Questions for ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus

    For this month’s Book Clubbin’ feature, we’re taking a look at the buzzy Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

    Lessons in Chemistry was Bonnie Garmus’ debut novel, and it was released to a wave of praise (us included). Not only was it nominated for two Goodreads’ Choice Awards, but it took home the crown for Best Debut Novel.

    This listen follows Chemist Elizabeth Zott as she navigates the world of STEM as a woman in the 60s. Chemistry follows her everywhere: from falling in love to hosting a cooking show, and Elizabeth finds a way to inspire change wherever she goes.

    If you’re looking for a vibrant listen full of characters that you’ll fall in love with and that will surely inspire you, then this is the one for you. And if you’re picking up Lessons in Chemistry for your book club this month, keep reading for our discussion questions below. Beware— SPOILERS ahead.

    —————CONTAINS SPOILERS!—————

    1) Why do you think Elizabeth agreed to the cooking show? And what made it so popular among women across the country?

    2) The theme of sexism was prevalent throughout the entire audiobook. Though the book is set in the 60s, some of these experiences may still hit close to home for readers. How are these issues still persisting today? What can we learn from Elizabeth and how she handled her situation?

    3) Discuss the effect that Clavin’s death had on Elizabeth and how it altered the trajectory of her life.

    4) Why do you think Elizabeth turned down Calvin’s proposal?

    5) Why do you think Bonnie Garmus included the perspective of their dog, Six-Thirty?

    6) What did you think about the reveal that it was Calvin’s mother who had funded Elizabeth’s scientific research?

    7) What do you think is next for Elizabeth and Mad?

    8) Are you looking forward to the TV-series adaptation coming soon? Do you agree with who they chose to cast for Elizabeth? Who did you have in mind?


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Are Audiobooks As Good As Physically Reading?

    The age-old question that always comes up when chatting about how you read: “Audiobooks don’t count as reading,” or “Audiobooks aren’t as good as reading a physical book.” We’ve heard it all before, so let’s dive into why we think audiobooks are as good and if not (dare we say) better than simply physically reading a book.

    What are audiobooks and how do they compare to physical reading?

    Audiobooks are digital audio recordings of books that can be streamed or downloaded and listened to on a variety of devices. Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer readers the convenience of being able to listen to their favorite books while doing other activities, such as commuting or exercising. But how do audiobooks compare to physically reading a book?

    Audiobooks offer many advantages over physical books, including the ability and convenience to listen at your own pace and in any environment. Additionally, audiobooks help with increased engagement with the material, and they are generally more accessible and can be helpful for those who have difficulty reading due to vision impairment, dyslexia, etc.

    What are the benefits of choosing to listen to an audiobook vs physically reading a book?

    Audiobooks are a great way to learn new information and gain knowledge. They allow you to multitask, listen while doing other activities, and can be used in any setting. Audiobooks also help you engage with the material more deeply as your mind can focus on the content without being distracted by other visual elements. With audiobooks, you can easily access a wide range of topics and learn at your own pace. You can also find audiobooks that are specifically designed for language learning, which makes them an ideal choice for those who want to improve their foreign language skills. Audiobooks provide an engaging and convenient way to learn new information and expand your knowledge base.

    While physically reading is a great way to get lost in a book and escape reality, it also has some drawbacks. Reading physical books can be time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to store or transport. Additionally, physical books may contain outdated information if they are not regularly updated. Furthermore, physical books are less interactive than digital formats such as e-books and audiobooks which often include multimedia elements and allow readers to interact with the text. Finally, physical books may require more effort for readers to take notes or highlight important passages.

    How do audiobooks help with memory retention while reading?

    Studies have shown that audiobooks can help with memory retention in a variety of ways. Research has demonstrated that people who listen to audiobooks are able to recall more information than those who read from a traditional book. Additionally, studies have found that people who listen to audiobooks retain information better over time compared to those who read books in the traditional way. This indicates that using audiobooks is an effective way of helping people remember more of what they read or heard.

    Quick stats:

    ● 85% of what we learn is learned through listening
    ● Students can listen and comprehend 2 whole grades above their reading level
    ● Audio improves comprehension by 76%
    ● Listening increases reading accuracy by 52%

    Via The Audio Publishers Association

    Can audiobooks really replace physical reading?

    With audiobooks, readers can enjoy their favorite books while on the go, without having to carry a physical copy of the book. But do audiobooks really replace or complement physical reading?

    This question is one that has been debated by readers and authors alike. While some argue that audiobooks provide a convenient and immersive experience, others believe they cannot replace the feeling of flipping through pages and engaging with text on paper. At Audiobooks.com, we’re a little biased because we looove our audiobooks, but we would never claim that they could fully replace the experience of physically reading. Audiobooks are a great alternative reading option that can benefit a multitude of people from many walks of life and for those tried and true physical readers, audiobooks can help complement the reading experience as well.

    The future of audiobooks – how are they changing?

    We have no doubt that audiobooks and their popularity are only set to grow in the future. With the rise of streaming services and availability, audiobooks are now more accessible than ever before. As technology advances, so too does the way we listen to audiobooks. From voice-activated devices such as Alexa and Google Home to apps (like ours!) that allow you to customize your listening experience with speed control, bookmarks, and track navigation there are a variety of ways for listeners to get the most out of their audiobook listening experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative ways for people to enjoy audiobooks in the future.


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


    New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

    Audiobooks.com’s Best of 2022

    Just like that, we are almost at the end of 2022! As the year wraps up, Audiobooks.com is looking back on the listens that have helped us get in touch with our emotions, kept us on the edge of our seat, and had us falling in love. There were so many great listens from this past year but we have narrowed down our favorites.

    Discover Audiobooks.com’s top audiobooks from each month in 2022!

    January: The Maid by Nita Prose, narrated by Lauren Ambrose

    A dead body is one mess she can’t clean up on her own.

    Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

    Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

    Read more and sample the audio →

    February: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown, narrated by Brené Brown

    In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances—a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.
     
    Read more and sample the audio →

    March: Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, narrated by By: Kevin T. CollinsRobert PetkoffPeter GanimLuis MorenoSoneela NankaniEmily Woo ZellerDolly PartonJames FouheyElla TurenneRonald PeetKelsea Ballerini 

    Every song tells a story. 

    She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. 

    She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. 

    Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny.  It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her.  And destroy her. 

    Read more and sample the audio →

    April: Dream Town by David Baldacci, narrated by Brittany Pressley and Edoardo Ballerini

    Private investigator and World War II veteran Aloysius Archer heads to Los Angeles, the city where dreams are made and shattered, and is ensnared in a lethal case in this latest thriller in #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci’s Nero Award-winning series.  

    It’s the eve of 1953, and Aloysius Archer is in Los Angeles to ring in the New Year with an old friend, aspiring actress Liberty Callahan, when their evening is interrupted by an acquaintance of Callahan’s: Eleanor Lamb, a screenwriter in dire straits.

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    May: Finding Me by Viola Davis, narrated by Viola Davis

    In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever.

    This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.

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    June: The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand, narrated by Erin Bennett

    Fresh off a bad breakup with a longtime boyfriend, Nantucket sweetheart Lizbet Keaton is desperately seeking a second act. When she’s named the new general manager of the Hotel Nantucket, a once Gilded Age gem turned abandoned eyesore, she hopes that her local expertise and charismatic staff can win the favor of their new London billionaire owner, Xavier Darling, as well as that of Shelly Carpenter, the wildly popular Instagram tastemaker who can help put them back on the map. And while the Hotel Nantucket appears to be a blissful paradise, complete with a celebrity chef-run restaurant and an idyllic wellness center, there’s a lot of drama behind closed doors.

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    July: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, narrated by Julian Cihi and Jennifer Kim

    On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn’t heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them to stardom.

    They borrow money, beg favors, and, before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo: a game where players can escape the confines of a body and the betrayals of a heart, and where death means nothing more than a chance to restart and play again. This is the story of the perfect worlds Sam and Sadie build, the imperfect world they live in, and of everything that comes after success: Money. Fame. Duplicity. Tragedy.

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    August: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette Mccurdy, narrated by Jennette Mccurdy

    A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

    Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

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    September: Fairy Tale by Stephen King, narrated by Seth Numrich and Stephen King

    Legendary storyteller Stephen King goes into the deepest well of his imagination in this spellbinding novel about a seventeen-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war, and the stakes could not be higher—for that world or ours.

    Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. When Charlie is seventeen, he meets a dog named Radar and her aging master, Howard Bowditch, a recluse in a big house at the top of a big hill, with a locked shed in the backyard. Sometimes strange sounds emerge from it.

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    October: It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover, narrated by Colin Donnell and Olivia Song

    Before It Ends with Us, it started with Atlas. Colleen Hoover tells fan favorite Atlas’s side of the story and shares what comes next in this long-anticipated sequel to the “glorious and touching” (USA TODAY) #1 New York Times bestseller It Ends with Us.

    Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

    But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

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    November: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama, narrated by Michelle Obama

    In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.

    There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In The Light We Carry, she opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?

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    December: Your Table is Ready by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, narrated by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina

    A front-of-the-house Kitchen Confidential from a career maître d’hotel who manned the front of the room in New York City’s hottest and most in-demand restaurants.

    From the glamorous to the entitled, from royalty to the financially ruined, everyone who wanted to be seen—or just to gawk—at the hottest restaurants in New York City came to places Michael Cecchi-Azzolina helped run. His phone number was passed around among those who wanted to curry favor, during the decades when restaurants replaced clubs and theater as, well, theater in the most visible, vibrant city in the world.

    Read more and sample the audio →


    Looking for Book Recommendations?

    • Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.

    • Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).

    • If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.

    • For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.


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